Post navigation

Ex-Spouse Benefits And How They Affect You

Just like during tax season, it’s good to have all the information you need early so you can prepare and get any money you are due.

If you are age 62, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on his or her record. To be eligible, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more. If you have since remarried, you can’t collect benefits on your former spouse’s record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work. In other words, we’ll pay the higher of the two benefits for which you’re eligible, but not both.

You can apply for benefits on your former spouse’s record even if he or she hasn’t retired, as long as you divorced at least two years before applying. If, however, you decide to wait until full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse, your benefit will be equal to half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount or disability benefit. The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse.

The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the benefits of your ex-spouse and his or her current spouse. Visit Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced to find all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a divorced spouse. Our benefits planner gives you an idea of your monthly benefit amount. If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you may still quality for widow’s benefits. You’ll find information about that in a note at the bottom of the website.

Visit Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced today to learn whether you’re eligible for benefits on your ex-spouse’s record. That could mean a considerable amount of monthly income. What you learn may bring a smile to your face … even on tax day!

Thank you for your question, Dwight. Generally, Social Security benefits are Federal benefits and are not subject to division in state courts. If the marriage lasted 10 years or longer, your ex-spouse may be eligible to receive benefits on your record at age 62 or older.
See our Retirement Planner: Benefits For Your Divorced Spouse for other eligibility requirements and more detailed information.

Thank you for your question, Brenda. Generally, during your initial interview to apply for Social Security benefits, we typically explore other possible eligibility that could yield you a higher benefit amount. Our web page “If You’re Divorced” explains how you can receive benefits on your divorced spouse’s record.
To find out if you are eligible for a higher benefit and to discuss your options, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or visit your local Social security office. Thanks!

I was told when I visited the SS office I was not eligible to collect on an ex-wife’s SS, now 30 or so years later I read stuff like this. I might have been able all these years to have had a little more income, but might have missed out because someone was either to lazy to process the account or lacked the information to do so.

30 years ago you probably were not old enough or your payment on your own record was higher so you were not eligible then and I doubt you are now. Reread the article. You did not miss out due to someone else being lazy.

That is why you should always receive something in writing, ask for a copy highlighted of where the information was retrieved and then ask for a supervisor! It is better to be safe then sorry. Also, SS does not pay retroactively.
Sorry you had to find out after all these years.

Can you find out when you ex-spouse files for benefits? Alimony can be adjusted based on the ex-spouse’s higher income but only by taking them back to court. How do you know when you can take them back to court? Believe me when I say the ex will NOT vounteer this info because they will want the full alimony & increased in spousal benefit.

If a widow collects spousal benefits and she continues to work, will her SS benefits increase if her earnings record exceeds his? Does she need to reapply for her own benefits to receive the higher amount? And how can she ascertain if this increase might be imminent?

Hi Emmie, if you receive survivors benefits, additional earnings could help make your retirement benefit higher than your current survivors benefit. Visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working for more information.
To see if you qualify for a higher benefit than what you’re getting now, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and ask one of our agents to assist you.
Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

Legally separated for albout 20 years. He passed away this January. I have been collecting SS for 4 Years now, is there $ I am eligible for? I’m collecting SS under my SS number siincei worked for 40 years. My benefits may be higher but I’m not sure.

Hi Alice, you can ask us to review your record. To see if you are eligible for a higher benefit amount than what you’re receiving now, you will need to speak to a Social Security Representative. You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and ask one of our agents to assist you. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly.
We hope this information helps!

Hello, you may be able to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record, at age 62, if your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
If your ex-spouse does not apply for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them (when he is at least age 62), you can receive benefits on his or her record if you have been divorced for at least two years. For more information and to see other eligibility requirements, please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced. Thanks!

Not sure if I can ask a question here, but I will. I am receiving SS on my work record. I get a partial from my ex- spouse. We were married 37 yrs. , have been divorced for 8 yrs. Can I change and get his if more than mine. I took early retirement at 63. They didn’t tell to me wait on my ex-spouse when I asked. They just gave to me when I talked to them. So can I do any thing to see about getting more SS money? Thank You Carol Gillette

Thank you for contacting us, Carol. Couple of things to keep in mind. First, if a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
Also, if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. For example: Let’s say that at your full retirement age you qualify for a retirement benefit of $250 and a divorced spouse’s benefit of $400. You will receive your own $250 retirement benefit, and we will add $150 from your ex-spouse’s benefit, for a total of $400.
Your benefit as a divorced spouse is equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount only if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age.
We hope this information helps. Visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced for more information, thanks.

I have an ex-spouse who was placed on full disability at age 60. I never remarried but he did (prior to age 60). I have a strong feeling that because he liked to work with paycheck not entirely on the books, he most probably has a lower SS benefit than mine, since I worked almost 40 years on payroll reported to IRS. I gathered that when they didn’t in processing my benefits when I applied mention that I could delay my benefits. Being that I had the higher benefits (go figure a woman had the higher benefits) , can I assume he could not apply against my benefits if he remarried before 60. I know if he can it doesn’t effect my benefits but I would like to be sure. Also if and when he dies, can a divorced ex-spouse apply for any widow survivor benefits . I was married over 14 years to my ex-spouse.

If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefits and benefits as a divorced spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a divorced spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher divorced spouse benefit.
Visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced for more information.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email.
Please visit our Retirement Planner: If You’re Divorced for information on this topic. Thanks!

Thank you for your question, Elizabeth. In cases where a common-law marriage may be involved, Social Security follows the state laws. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents for further guidance on this matter. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

I am applying on my ex-spouse’s benefits. My primary social security would be higher than the spousal benefits but if want to defer my own benefits to age 70. i can do that, right? my DOB is 5/28/52 and his DOB is 12/10/41

Thank you for your question, Anne. If you were born before January 2, 1954, and have already reached full retirement age, you can choose to receive only the divorced spouse’s benefit and delay receiving your retirement benefit until a later date. If your birthday is January 2, 1954 or later, the option to take only one benefit at full retirement age no longer exists. If you file for one benefit, you will be effectively filing for all retirement or spousal benefits.
See our Retirement Planner: Recent Claiming Changes for more information.

Hello Jose. To check the status of a W-2 form, you should contact your employer’s human resource or personnel office. If you are referring to the Form SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid to SSA beneficiaries during last year, you can request a replacement SSA-1099 for Tax Year 2018, by using your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps!

I was married to my first wife who had two affaires after 24 years of marriage and filed for divorce! I was 45 years old and remarried 10 years later to my current wife. My second wife and I have been married 15 years. We are planning to be married till our deaths. I am 70 years of age. Is their anything you tell me about benefits I might be able to get now as having been her spouse.

Hi Gloria! You can apply:
•Online – Use our Social Security Retirement/Medicare Benefit Application to apply for retirement, spouse’s, ex-spouse’s or Medicare benefits.
•By phone – Call us at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p. m. (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
•In person – Visit your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.)

this is true i know but i have a question? my husband died in 1999. i receive some of his benefit, but he also had an ex with 3 kids, and they were married more than 10 years , is his ex entitled to some of his benefits too?

I divorced in 2001 and had been married 30 years and 9 months. I had worked most of my married life. In 2015 I went to our local social security office to sign up. I was 62. I asked the man helping me about benefits from my ex husbands social security because he made considerable more money while we were married. He told me I could NOT draw on my ex husbands until he died since I had my own social security. So what is the truth?

Where can I file a complaint against the Office of International Affairs Social Security? They have stopped our checks because of a yearly form which they never send! They won`t answer the phone & I keep getting a recording that says “we will call you back in 48 hours”. They never do!!! What kind of system is this? Their service is horrible! Any help out here? Thank you.

My ex husband died a few years back I’m on disability I’m 58 years old can I draw on his Social Security now that he is deceased I would appreciate some information on this I didn’t know any of this information until this blog come up on my emails thank you
Sincerely
Vicky Campbell

Hi Vicky! If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who dies, you could get benefits just the same as a widow or widower, provided that your marriage lasted 10 years or more. You can begin receiving benefits as early as age 50 if you are disabled and the disability started before or within seven years of the worker’s death. To see if you’re eligible for a higher benefit than what you’re receiving now, you will have to speak with a Social Security representative.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local office directly. Thanks!

If my ex-spouse is still alive k62 still working can I draw on his Social Security and not affect what he will get I’m 58 drawing disability we were married over 10 years I am single now we have been divorced since 1985

HI,
SAFIEH M LUTFI
I CHANGED THE MAILING ADDRESS
I HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY CHECK BENEFITS FOR THIS MONTH
I CONTACTED THE ADMINISTRATION THEY TOLD ME THE REASON THAT THERE WAS AN ERROR ABOUT THE MAILING ADDRESS
MY MAIL BOX IS
541797
ZIP CODE 11937
ABU NSAIR , JORDAN
MY OHONE NUMBER 9626791557650

For security reasons, we do not have access to personal information, therefore, we cannot update beneficiaries’ records in this venue. We recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to Social Security programs and benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks!

I have a question that has been bothering me and would really appreciate an answer.
I was divorced 1965. He remarried in 1967. He passed away in 2005 proceeded by his wife by 6 months. In 2013 a friend called to tell me that his family had left his ashes at a funeral home and that his wife had passed earlier and no one in his family answered many calls. I called the funeral director, a wonderful man, to ask if I could bury his ashes. I was told by the owner that it would appreciate it very much and I sent my nephew to pick up the ashes and I had him buried in my family plot. Where do I stand, if anything, from his anything including his social security?
Please have someone answer this question.
Thank you

How come they tell me I can’t get any of my ex husbands ss we were married in 62 had 2 boys and we both work at the automobile plant, he retired with full benefits I retired early so don’t get as much penision as him, but they say we get the same ssi so therefor I can’t receive any of his ssi, I am divorced from him and single , he is now married??

Hi Gloria, if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount.
For example: Let’s say that at your full retirement age you qualify for a retirement benefit of $250 and a divorced spouse’s benefit of $400. You will receive your own $250 retirement benefit, and we will add $150 from your ex-spouse’s benefit, for a total of $400.
Your benefit as a divorced spouse is equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount -only- if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age.
Also, keep in mind that if a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. These reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
Visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced for more information.
We hope this helps!

Hello Lavern! Normally, benefits for children stop when children reach age 18, unless they are disabled. However, if the child is still a full-time student at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, Social Security benefits will continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child becomes age 19, whichever is first.Childhood disability benefits are also payable after reaching age 18, if the disability began before age 22. We hope this information helps.

“You can apply for benefits on your former spouse’s record even if he or she hasn’t retired, as long as you divorced at least two years before applying. If, however, you decide to wait until full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse, your benefit will be equal to half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount or disability benefit. The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse.”

In the last sentence above, if the former spouse is deceased, I believe the widow/widower amount payable at full retirement age is more than half of the ex-spouse’s full retirement amount. Correct?

To learn more about widow’s or widower’s benefits, please visit our Survivors Planner. For further assistance, call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.

does SS cover portable oxygen I have copd and these tanks are so heavy I’m 67 and only weight 112 pds. and the excess weight is so hard I hate to leave the house. And the pull along has caused me to fall a few times and I don’t want to break a hip or leg. Please contact me and let me know. Rita

Can I receive benefits form my spouse being legally separated. I’m disable and my spouse nolonger carries me on his income tax, we used to file jointly. Can I still receive some of his income tax being still married to my spouse. Mrs. Lenore

Hi Lenore, for tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040.
For information on how you can get Social Security benefits on your spouse’s record, see our Retirement Planner: Benefits For You As A Spouse. We hope this helps.

My husband passed away in April of 2017. His ex wife is receiving more money of his social security than I am and they have been divorced for several years and she has been remarried at least twice since they were married. I am confused.

My ex-spouse was supposed to pay me only $100 a month when we divorced in 2012. He has not paid me one cent I have been struggling. Now in 2018 I should at least be able to get help thru retirement, I turn 62 on tomorrow Feb. 21, 2018. God will provide.

Hi Wendy, if you meet all other eligibility requirements, and your ex-spouse has not applied for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them (age 62 or older), you can receive benefits on their record if you have been divorced for at least two years.
Your benefit as a divorced spouse is equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount -ONLY- if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age.
Generally, if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount.
Please visit our web page “If You’re Divorced” for more information. Thanks!

I was married to a man for 25years,however he doesnt retire for about 6years. do i wait untilhe retires or if i collect now will i lose a bunch of money,by claiming it earlier.I only draw626.00 a month,15.oo in food stamps.things are very hard for me,15.00 is a joke for food stamps.Iam 7yearsolder than him.what do u suggest what is best for me.

Hello Barbara, in order for you to receive divorced spouse benefits, and in addition to meeting all other eligibility requirements, your ex-spouse must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. If your ex-spouse does not apply for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them (at his age 62 or older), you can receive benefits on his record if you have been divorced for at least two years. See our web page “If You’re Divorced” for more information. Thanks!

I am a widow of a vet who was 64 when he died. He was receiving social security DISABILITY from the time he filed at I believe age 40 something. I was told I don’t receive any survivors benefits until I turn 65. I’ve had several people tell me otherwise. Could you answer this for me please. I could sure use the income.

Hi Trish, see “Ways to Apply“. Please visit our web page “If You’re Divorced” to review the eligibility requirements.
To speak to a one of our agents, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Thanks!

Thank you for your question, Kathy. Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance. You can apply for your benefits online at any time now. Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information.

I am disappointed in the online application.
I was told I can not apply online because my information is different from the information on file.
Something is wrong on your end, and I would like a solution in an email or a telephone call.

We are sorry for the inconvenience, Marie. However, we must address and correct any discrepancies on your record before you apply for benefits.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. We do not do direct messaging in this venue.
One of our representatives should be able to provide you with better guidance to find resolution to this matter. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.

I am legally separated to my husband of 30 years. He is 70 yrs. & started taking SS at 62 yrs.. I will be 62 yrs. this May but have only been working & paying into SS for a few years now ( homemaker before separation); and I’m currently unemployed. Can I take from his SS in May thinking 1/2 of his would still be higher than taking mine early; and then take mine when it reaches higher than what I’d get off his? Thank you!

Hi Debbie, even if you have never worked under Social Security, you may be able to get spouse’s retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years of age and your spouse is receiving retirement or disability benefits. You can also qualify for Medicare at age 65. Your benefit as a spouse can only be one-half of your spouse’s full retirement amount if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age. See our Retirement Planner: Benefits For You As A Spouse for more information.

I have been receiving SS benefits since I turned 62. I get a reduced amount because of the years I taught in Nevada even though I worked 27 years state (NY and FL) that deducted.
Two years ago my ex-husband (Charles Maxwell Jeffery) died. I went to SS office to see if I could collect his benefits instead of my own and was told no. As I read this article I feel as if I was misguided.

You’re right, a pension based on work that is not covered by Social Security (for example, Federal civil service and some State or local government agencies, such as police officers and some teachers) may cause the amount of your Social Security benefit to be reduced. Your own Social Security benefit can be reduced based on the Windfall Elimination Provision.
Your benefits as a Surviving Divorced Spouse may be reduced or eliminated based on the Government Pension Offset.

This seems awfully unfair to me, especially since my ex divorced me to live with a man out of wedlock.
I literally broke my back trying to stay married and she left after I could not work at the same job anymore. She could not live with my pain, but now she can tap my Social Security and give it to someone else as long as she does not marry him?
WHO THOUGHT THIS SCAM UP???
I suffer pain every single day of the year, but I have to pay her alimony?
SHE INHERITED THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FROM HER MOTHER… SO WHERE IS MY SHARE?

So HORRIFIED for me as since yesterday tried to reach
SSI by phone – waited n waited for hours FINALLY hv no
choice but to hang up.
All I want to find out is HERE IS MY SPOUSE BENEFIT
check? He passed away 1/21/18 and the Mortuary notified you and stated that I shud recv a final ck !!! How
long do I hv to wait? Awaiting yr kind reply.

We are sorry for your loss, Theresa. Usually, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office. However, you may have to contacts us directly to see if you qualify for a higher benefit as a widow.
You cannot report a death or apply for survivors’ benefits online.
To verify that your spouse’s information was reported, and to see if you qualify for a higher benefit, you may need to talk to one of our representatives. When calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you may experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office.

I have been trying to get my deceased husbands social security for over a year now
We were together 34 yrs I have sent paper in from 2 of his kid’s an from my sister We were common law I haven’t heard a thing from s.s.since I found out injure I was turned down and I appealed it in July of2o17 I’m just trying to survive as my ss is 500.00 a mo can’t live on that.he passed away nov.17 2016 . 9

My Precious Husband passed away Feb 13….I am 56 and have a son who is disabled due to stroke….my dear husband drew 1575 and they took for Medicare part a and b- which lowered what he was drawing….I.was also his caregiver and my sons…..how so I calculate what I will draw….His name was Jerry W Bowen….I.have the letter sent to y’all from Senters funeral home in Fulton MS..heey

How do I contact you about this? I’m living outside the US, so your toll-free number doesn’t work. You won’t do business by email because of confidentiality issues. Please tell me how to contact you. Thanks.

Thank you, Jim. I have been on the phone with Social Security for two hours today going crazy because they are claiming I can take my own benefits at age 62, but if my ex-spouse dies anytime after that I can switch to 81% or more of his benefits, which would be more – yet NOTHING on their entire website says that. Are ex-spouses really allowed to switch later to an ex-spouse’s benefits after taking their own SS benefits? The woman on the phone there couldn’t find it on their site either. I asked where she learned that information and if she could send it to me in writing, and she said she didn’t know. It makes a big difference in my retirement planning to know if this is true or not. Grateful for any help you can give me, Kathy

Hi Kathy. The earliest age you can apply for reduced retirement benefits is 62. However, if a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
You may still be eligible to collect a higher benefit as a “Surviving Divorced Spouse” if your ex-spouse passes away.
If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who dies, you could get benefits just the same as a widow or widower, provided that your marriage lasted 10 years or more. Survivors benefits are paid at a higher rate.
In many cases, a surviving divorced spouse/widow can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate (as early as 60 years old) and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate. See our Survivors Planner: How Much Would Your Benefit Be? for more information.
We hope this helps!

Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks!

Thank you for your question, Olivia. You can request that we review your records. To see if you’re eligible for a higher benefit amount you will need to speak to one of our agents. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!

I am asking for myself, I was injured in a wreck at the age of 15, 1986. Two shattered vertebra, broken rib, went into right lung, paralyzed from waist down, told I’d never walk again.
First surgery lasted approximately 5 hours to remove rib from lung, had to have blood transfusion. Breathing treatments.
Second surgery lasted approximately 8 hours, to remove bone fragments, which there are still fragments, two Harrington Rods attatched to spine, that go from between shoulders down bottom of spine. Never to be removed, as they are my “spine”.
I fought my way back to walking, using bathroom, dressing myself, basic daily life as before the accident.
I have worked since the age of 17 until the age of 43. Where now my “spine”is in such disrepair, I am not a candidate for any surgery due to the nerve damage, and scar tissue, that if I were to survive the surgery, I’d come out a paraplegic.
I have tried for approximately 10 years to be qualified for disability benefits, to which I have been repeatedly turned down, stating that I present myself clean, well dressed, well educated, and therefore can adapt myself to any work environment.
I do not find this fair, as they do not know the daily struggles I go through, the constant pain I endure daily, hour to hour.
My question is, why is it that someone that is diagnosed Bi-polar can, in FACT recieve benefits, but someone like me, physically impaired cannot, because I shower?
Some kind of insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
As the 3 Specialists that I have seen, all said that I Will end up back in a wheelchair, there is nothing that can be done to help me, or my pain.
Thanks for reading this, because I am scared as hell. I’m only 47.

I am still working and will be 62 this summer of 2018. I was married 17 years, divorced 18 years ago, never remarried. I have earned more in my career than my ex, who is now 69 and and retired, taking his Social Security.

I plan to retire at 65 and defer taking my own SS until 70 if possible. I was told last summer at a SSA office that 1 month before my 66th birthday I would qualify to start taking an amount equal to half of my ex husband’s current SS income and thus defer taking my own until age 70. But today I read at an IRS.gov site that this is only a choice for people born before 1/2/1954. Since I was born in 1956, is that no longer an option for me, to qualify for half my ex’s until I take my own at 70?
Thank you

Thank you for contacting us, Mary. If your birthday is January 2, 1954 or later, the option to take only one benefit atfull retirement age no longer exists. If you file for one benefit, you will be effectively filing for all retirement or spousal benefits.
According to the new rules, deemed filing applies to individuals turning 62 on or after January 2, 2016. If you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. We hope this information helps!

There are some lazy people who won’t work and have
never held a job very long but they had planned to get social security from off of someone else’s work history.
This is not right. Lazy people should get paid for being lazy!!!!!!

Please correct the error below. Ex-spouse benefits are different upon death of their former spouse I’m pretty sure. Thanks!
“If, however, you decide to wait until full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse, your benefit will be equal to half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount or disability benefit. The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse.”

how do I find out how much I will get from my x spouse’s ss? and can I retire at age 65 and draw off his social security until I reach 66. And then at age 66 begin drawing on my social security at a higher rate?

Hello Cathy, you may be eligible to start receiving benefits on your ex-husband’s record when you are age 62 or older. Your ex-spouse must be entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Keep in mind, if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount.
For additional information and more on eligibility requirements please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced. Thanks!

I have a client who was married for over 10 years, divorced and re-married prior to age 60. Second marriage lasted over 10 years. Both first (divorced) spouse and second spouse died. When second husband died, she was given the choice of which spouses’ SS to receive. She chose the second, even though he did not earn as much as first spouse. I believe that she took a reduced benefit for not attaining age 62 at the time of the benefit. Is there any way for her to now elect to receive the first, divorced spouse’s benefit, even if it is at a reduced benefit amount? If so, what form should she use? (The first spouse had remarried prior to his death, FWIW)

Hello Dan. Generally, when you apply for Social Security benefits, we explore for other possible eligibility that can pay you a higher benefit amount. By law, we are required to pay the highest benefit amount when eligible in multiple records. Your client can contact us and request a review of her benefit records. Thanks!

I am already on SSI and SSDI, Medicaid and Medicare. I was married for 24 years and divorced in 2009. In the divorce settlement I was given all of my ex-husbands 401K, which is about $6,000 now. I was also given 41% of his PERSI. My ex, Bruce, continued to work for the state of Idaho several more years after the divorce, then quit and worked for the state in AZ. He just now has decided to collect his PERSI, which means I also have to make decisions on my 41%. My fear is losing my SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid because of having this money. It can also require me to move out of my Section 8 housing as well. PERSI said I have one of two choices, either cashing out on the whole 41% and 401K, or leaving the 41% in an account in my name with PERSI and letting it collect interest, or taking monthly payments from that money. I cannot take part of the PERSI, it is all or nothing I was told. I have no idea what to do. I have thought I would cash out the whole 401K and use it to get a couple of things I really need. I believe I should pay the taxes on that right away so I don’t have any surprises next tax season. I had hoped to use part of the PERSI to buy a car, but I don’t know if I can do that. I guess the only way I can do that is to either cash out the whole 41% or keep it all in PERSI and take monthly payments and hope it is enough to make car payments. I am running out of time to make a decision on this and I am lost, I don’t know what to do. I cannot lose my Medicaid, I have too many health problems. I can’t move from my apartment either. I am afraid to lose my SSI and SSDI, it took to much to get on them to begin with. I need someone with the knowledge about all of this to help me know what to do. I hope that you are able to help me/guide me. Thank you for your time.

Hello Jeri. Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits are not affected by additional income or resources. These benefits are based on your previous earnings and contributions to the program.
In the other hand, we must always consider any additional income and resources when you receive Supplemental Security Income or SSI benefits. The SSI benefits are paid based on financial need. Per SSI’s Reporting Responsibilities, you are required to inform us of any benefits you may be eligible for and thus apply for such benefits.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!

Thank you for your question, Jerry. Yes, your mother could still work and receive “Surviving Divorced Spouse” benefits. However, there are limits on how much survivors may earn while they receive benefits.
At age 62, your mother is still under her full retirement age. if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, this can reduce the number of payments you receive through the year. For 2018 that limit is $17,040. See “How We Deduct Earnings From Benefits” for more information.
You cannot apply for survivors benefits online. if your mother decides to apply for benefits, she can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). She can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. She can also contact the local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone.
We hope this information helps!

Great questions, Edith. Social Security strongly supports those individuals who want to return to the work force while supplementing their disability benefit income.
We have Work Incentives that allow people to work and still receive their benefits. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work.
In the other hand, Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same. Disability benefits are paid at the highest rate based on your work history prior to becoming disabled.
We hope this information helps!

Good day everybody my name is Mrs Caroline Gilli am here to share with you my life experience how a great man called Dr Alexzander saved me and my marriage.I have been Married & Barren for for 5 years i had no child. i have never been pregnant i was a subject of laughter from my Friends & neighbors, i almost lost my marriage because of this issue.i was so confused that i did not know what to do until i came across this great Dr online and i contacted him at once i was scared weather it was going to work because i never believed things like this before, so i decided to give it a try and i did all what Dr Alexzander asked of me and today to my greatest surprise i took in the first time and i gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and now my marriage that was about crashig before is now restored. my husband now love and want me better, Am so happy for everything that have been happening my life since i met this Dr Alexzander.
I want to tell all the women out there who have a similar situation like that the world is not over YET they should dry up their tears and contact this great man and their problem will be gone or are you also having other problems you can also contact Dr Alexzander, here is how you can contact him. browse him on google search engine via his name alexzander high temple. searching on him on google will enable you to get his email address or call his phone number +2347068836760 or whatsapp him through this +2347075823891 many blogs online.
Thank Dr Alexzander for everything you did in my marriage.
Thanks
Caroline Grilli

Am Mrs Caroline Gilli am here to share with you my life experience how a great man called Dr Alexzander saved me and my marriage.I have been Married & Barren for for 5 years i had no child. i have never been pregnant i was a subject of laughter from my Friends & neighbors, i almost lost my marriage because of this issue.i was so confused that i did not know what to do until i came across this great Dr online and i contacted him at once i was scared weather it was going to work because i never believed things like this before, so i decided to give it a try and i did all what Dr Alexzander asked of me and today to my greatest surprise i took in the first time and i gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and now my marriage that was about crashig before is now restored. my husband now love and want me better, Am so happy for everything that have been happening my life since i met this Dr Alexzander.
I want to tell all the women out there who have a similar situation like that the world is not over YET they should dry up their tears and contact this great man and their problem will be gone or are you also having other problems you can also contact Dr Alexzander, here is how you can contact him. browse him on google search engine via his name alexzander high temple. searching on him on google will enable you to get his email address or call his phone number +2347068836760 or whatsapp him through this +2347075823891 many blogs online.
Thank Dr Alexzander for everything you did in my marriage.

I began receiving social security at age 62 as an ex-spouse since my ex’s benefit was slightly higher than my own. Now at age 70 I have returned to work and am paying into social security. Will my current earnings increase my social security benefit?

Hi, Daniele. Each year we review the records for all Social Security recipients who work and will refigure your benefit if applicable. Visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working for more information. We encourage you to work with your local office if you have any further specific questions about your benefits. Thanks!

Hello Kathy, you must be insured under the Social Security program before retirement, survivors, or disability benefits can be paid to you or your family. We consider the number of quarters of coverage or credits you earned to determine if you are insured. Generally you need to be fully insured to receive Social Security benefits. We hope this information helps!

My names are Lilly Ferdinand from Utah USA, its all about the good work of AMIGO, since i got married to my husband i have had miscarriage for 9 times and this was a big problem we seek for medical attention but doctor said everything was normal, but to me i knew something is wrong and was searching for solution until i came across this man AMIGO it was like a dream after reading his numerous works share by others i saw his contact d r.amigo 71@yahoo.com i emailed him secretly, my husband was not aware about it, i narrate it all to AMIGO and he told me its a curse, a generational curse that i confirm to be true, all my sisters have no babies and my greatest surprise was that he actually did something and send to me with instruction to use it, which i followed through and got victory today and as a result of this broken curse all my sisters are now partakers, Three of my sisters are actually pregnant now as well, this happen 11 months ago. Thank you Amigo i will continue to appreciate you for the rest of my life.

I would like to know if I can receive any social security
From my husband if he dies we been married for 2 years.
He is divorce from his first wife,and he receives a pension from the army, which he had too divided when he got divided from his first wife.
Do I have any right to receive Any thing from his pension.
Thank you.

Thank you for your question, Carol. In order to receive “divorced spouse’s benefits” on your ex-husband’s record, he must getting, or must be eligible for, retirement or disability benefits.
Generally, a person will need to have 40 credits or 10 years of work paying Social Security taxes, to be eligible and to qualify for any type of Social Security benefit.
See Retirement Planner: Benefits For Your Spouse for more information.

Hello Suzanne. One of our representatives should be able to help you gather the information needed to apply for benefits on your ex-spouse’s record. Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.
Please visit our web page “If You’re Divorced” for more information on your eligibility requirements. Thanks!

I have been married for 36 years to my now deceased husband Iam 55 years old he was married to someone else about 40 years ago for only 3 years is there anyway I can get my husbands social security and can she drawl his social security

Hi Dorothy, as a widow of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you may be eligible for benefits at age 60 (age 50 if disabled).
A “surviving divorced spouse” could get benefits just the same as a widow or widower, provided that the marriage lasted 10 years or more. Thanks!

Hello Judy. Generally, when you apply for Social Security benefits, during the initial interview, we explore for other possible eligibility that can pay you a higher benefit amount. Meaning that if you were eligible for a higher benefit on your husband’s record we would have established “dual-entitlement” then.
Remember that if you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and benefits as a spouse or as a divorced spouse, we always pay your own benefits first.
If your benefit as a spouse or divorced spouse is higher than your own retirement benefit, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher divorced spouse benefit.
Your benefit as a spouse or divorced spouse can ONLY be equal to one-half of your husband’s full retirement amount only if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age.
Also, if a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. These reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
See “Benefits For Your Family” for more information.
Please call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Thanks!

Hello – I was married for 16 years and have been divorced for 18 years. I have not remarried. I was receiving a percentage of my-ex’s pension as declared in the divorce decree, but when he retired and started receiving SS benefits the amount of his pension I was receiving was cut by 75%. What does the amount of his pension that I was awarded and that was agreed upon at the time of the divorce have to do with his SS benefits? Aren’t these separate items, you pay into your SS but the pension was through GM. I am 63 and he is 74.

I need to know what I can do to apply for my x-husbands social security benefits. My x-husband is now 88 years old. We were married 14 years. I have never remarried.
Thanking you in advance for your consideration in this matter.

Hello Mary, you may be able to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record (even if he or she has remarried) if:
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• You are unmarried;
• You are age 62 or older;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
For more information, please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!

My ex-husband and I had been married for 12 yrs. And have been divorced for 22yrs. I will be turning 62 on Nov.19, 2018. He will only be turning 57 on Nov.22 2018. If I want to collect on his SSI at 62, how can I find out how much I will receive.

I am on social security disability at 1054 per month. I am 65 yrs old. My ex-spouse is 66 and unsure if he has applied for benefits which would most likely be much more than I qualify for. Is there a way I could check on this? We were married 17 years, divorced in1997 and have a son in common. He is remarried and I am not. Please advise. Thank you.

Hello, Brenda. You may be able to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record at age 62 if:
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• You are unmarried;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
For more information, please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced.. For more information about your specific case, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Thanks.

Thank you for your question, Lawrence. The amount of benefits your divorced spouse gets has no effect on the amount of benefits you or your current spouse may receive.
See Benefits For Your Divorced Spouse for more information.

If an ex spouse remarries and is married for 10 years and then divorces, do they draw from their latest marriage due to 10 years of marriage or do they go back to the marriage before?
Also are you able to know if an ex files a claim and claims to be unmarried in order to claim from their exes retirement but they are actually remarried?

Hi Robin. Generally, Social Security pays the highest benefit amount the claimant is eligible for. While is possible for a person to be eligible to more than one benefit at the same time, we are only going to pay the highest benefit amount from either records – meaning that you will only be allowed to receive one payment.
Also, when you apply for Social Security benefits, we ask that you provide us with the information that may affect your eligibility for (higher) benefits.
For further assistance, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Thanks!

Years ago I read on the Social Security website that, as a divorced spouse, I could claim my spousal benefit if:

“The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.”

At 62, my benefit (if I applied for SS) would be more my ex-spouse’s benefit, so I didn’t apply for it. Now I understand that I could have, and am out many years’ of benefits. I’m now told I was entitled, but that I can only claim the last 6 months. I’m almost 70. Do I have a case for the SS Department misrepresenting the situation, causing me to miss out on years of benefits?

Hello Connie. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation.
If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.

I found this ite to be extremely helpful. I needed very specific information and found everything and more. I am a little confused about my work record and the amount of Social Security I will receive and would love to talk to someone.
Thank You so very much!!
Tamara Seurkamp

Thank you for your question, Marge. Please see the eligibility for Social Security spouse’s benefits here. If you are divorced and currently unmarried, you may be able to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record if your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. See our Retirement Planner: If You’re Divorced for other eligibility requirements and more detailed information.

Please, call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local office directly.

I am 64, on SSDI and have been divorced from my ex of 25 years for 18 years The SS office told me I can NOT draw his now. They said I HAVE to wait until HE retires OR reaches age 66 and 2 months. It appears on this site that this is not true. WHY was I told this? I am not married, he is.

My ex-husband and I lived together for the first four years before we married and we lived in Texas(common-law). The times were January 1977 and we married in September, 1981 and I divorced him in October 1987. He died last year and was married, but his wife about 6-7 years ago. I have not remarried this entire time and I was looking at getting ready to retire and had this question on my mind, is it possible to draw his social security. His name was Mose Edward Carter xxx-xx-0098 and I was Judy Faye Jones Carter, but I returned to my maiden name of Jones. Please advise. I do have records of the divorce decree and can obtain a copy of the marriage license. Thank you for your help.

I recently married (after a 35 year common law marriage)a retired gentleman who was married for 23 years and divorced for 20 years to his ex wife. At the moment he is terminally ill. I don’t know if he will hold out the required 9 months and 1 day for me to be eligible to receive ss benefits under his account. If it were possible, is there means of finding out if his former wife is actually receiving benefits under my husbands account. If so, and if the 9 months and 1 day were to pass before his departure, would I also receive benefits under his account?

Thanks for your question, Cindi. If your birthday is January 2, 1954 or later, the option to take only one benefit at full retirement age no longer exists. If you file for one benefit, you will be effectively filing for all retirement or spousal benefits. See “If You’re Divorced” for more information. Thanks!

Great question, Adele. It is possible for a person to be eligible for benefits on multiple records. However, we are only going to pay the highest benefit amount you qualify for, from any of those records – meaning that you will only be allowed to receive one payment.
To learn more and to see if you meet the eligibility requirements needed to receive Surviving Divorced Spouses benefit go to our Benefits Planner for Survivors.
You cannot apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone.
Thanks!

They told me I can’t draw off my ex until HE retires or turns 66 and 2 months old. This site says otherwise. They told me if he passed, I can draw 100% of his death benefit until his (younger) wife comes of age and THEN it would drop but I would still get some amount

Hello Deborah. If you are divorced, but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record (even if they have remarried) if:
•You are unmarried;
•You are age 62 or older;
•Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits; and
•The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
Yes, if your ex-spouse has not applied for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them, you can receive benefits on their record if you have been divorced for at least two years.
Please keep in mind that if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount.
To submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks!

Hello Colleen. You may be eligible to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record at age 62, if your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. See “If You’re Divorced” for more eligibility information.
Generally, survivors benefits are paid at a higher rate. However, if a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
If you are receiving benefits as a divorced spouse, and your ex-husband dies, your benefit will automatically convert to survivors benefits after we receive your ex-husband’s report of death.
We hope this information helps!

The Social Security office has lied to me TWICE, saying that I cannot draw my ex spouse’s retirement UNTIL HE RETIRES. I have read in several places ON THIS SITE that I CAN draw it if he hasn’t retired if (1) We have been divorced 2 yrs…we have been divorced 18 yrs! (2) If I am age 62,,I am age 64, WHY am I begin told untruths about this AT the Social Security office AND the 800 number??? They told me he HAS to be retired. I draw disability and I struggle to get by. I KNOW he’s making a LOT of money and has worked the same job since our older son, who is now 41, was 9 months old! This is VERY frustrating as I NEED the extra money.

Hello Deborah. If you are divorced, but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record (even if they have remarried) if:
•You are unmarried;
•You are age 62 or older;
•Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits; and
•The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
Yes, if your ex-spouse has not applied for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them, you can receive benefits on their record if you have been divorced for at least two years.
Please keep in mind that if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount.
To submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks!

I have been divorced from my husband since 2000. We were married for 20 years. I am currently on disability and have not remarried. (I am 60, he is 61.) When can I collect spousal benefits? Here’s the other thing: he is currently seeking an annulment to our marriage in the Catholic church. If granted will that affect my spousal benefits in any way?

Hello Katherine, if you are divorced, but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record if you are age 62 or older.
Here are the other eligibility requirements to receive benefits as a divorced spouse:
•You are unmarried;
•Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits; and
•The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
In an annulment, the law acts as if there were no marriage between the parties and it could affect Social Security benefits. You will need to speak with a Social Security representative about your specific situation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

Hi Barbara, according to our rules, an individual may be eligible for Divorced Spouse Benefits if he or she was legally married to the worker for at least 10 years before the date the divorce became final. This requirement is met if the divorce became final on or after the 10th anniversary of the marriage. This is so even if this period was interrupted by a prior divorce, provided the remarriage took place no later than the calendar year immediately following the calendar year of the divorce. See our Program Operations Manual System (POMS) – Section: RS 00202.005 Divorced Spouse for more information.
For further assistance and specifics in your situation, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

I currently draw SSDI on my own work record. I will be 62 years old in a couple of years. My ex and I were married for 13 years. He is 66 currently drawing full retirement benefits. When I turn 62 I would like to draw his benefit. Will I only get half? If he collects 2000 dollars does that mean I only collect 1000 dollars?

Hello Jacqui. If you are divorced, but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record if:
•You are unmarried;
•You are age 62 or older;
•Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits; and
•The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
Your benefit as a divorced spouse can be equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount –only– if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age.
You may still be eligible to collect reduced benefits on your ex-spouse’s record at age 62. Remember, if someone is eligible for both, his or her own benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay their own first. If their spousal benefits are higher than their own retirement benefits, he or she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.
To see if you are eligible for a higher benefit amount, you will have to contact us when you attain age 62. We hope this information helps!

Hello Carolyn, thank you for your question. If you’re already receiving retirement benefits, you would only apply for benefits as a surviving divorced spouse if your retirement benefit is less than the benefit you would receive as a survivor. You cannot receive both at the same time. To inquire about receiving a higher benefit and your options on switching, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. For more information, please visit our “Surviving Divorced Spouse” page. We hope this helps.

Hello Terri. Your benefit as a divorced spouse can be equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount -ONLY- if you start receiving benefits at yourfull retirement age.
Also, if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount.
Social Security records are confidential and that we do not disclose information about any individual to other agencies or private companies, unless we have proper authorization or consent. However, when you apply for Social Security benefits, during the initial interview, we explore for other possible eligibility that can pay you a higher benefit amount. We hope this information helps!

Hi Sheri, if your question is related to income tax, you will need to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040.
To qualify for each type of Social Security benefits, most people will need 40 credits. Generally, attained when you work and pay Social Security taxes for 10 years.

Hi Judith. No, the benefits the “first wife” received, are part of the benefit that can be paid to eligible family member on your husband’s record. There’s a limit to the amount that family members can receive each month. See Family Maximum Benefit for more information. Thanks!

I received a letter today from Social Security. My ex spouse has applied for a withdrawal of SS benefits. The letter states that the withdrawal cancels my ex spouse’s entitlement and therefor cancels my entitlement. I don’t understand how an Independently Entitled Divorced
Spouse is not protected when an ex spouse withdraws a claim. Thank you

Hi Mary, thank you for the question. If your ex-spouse qualifies for retirement benefits but hasn’t applied, you may be able to receive benefits on their record if you have been divorced for at least two years.

For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue. We encourage you to work with your local Social Security office. If you are unable to connect with your local office, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Hi Irene, thank you for the question. If you’re asking about divorced spouse’s benefits, if your ex-spouse qualifies for retirement benefits but hasn’t applied, you may be able to receive benefits on their record if you have been divorced for at least two years. For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue. We encourage you to call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office.

A friend of mine died recently. He was a resident alien and was collecting social security. His wife, who was a U.S. citizen had predeceased him and he was collecting her social security at the time of his death (though he had previously been collecting on his own prior to her death). He had been married before to a woman who is a U.K. citizen and has always lived in the U.K. (as did he until about 20 years ago). Is she eligible to collect his social security now that he has died if they were married at least 10 years.

I retired at 62. My ex is 61. We were married over 10 years. We have been divorced 30 years. Unfortunately for her income is low. From reading this forum and information on the SS site it appears she is eligible for something. When can she start to receive her benefits ? She may be eligible for disability. I would like to at least point her in the right direction.

Social Security is effectively bankrupt. So why does the system lavish benefits on people who never earned them? No one should ever be able to claim benefits based on the work record of another person.

Hi Linda. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who died and you are not married, you could get benefits just the same as a widow or widower. For more information, please visit our Surviving Divorced Spouse webpage.

We should be notified as soon as possible when a person dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. Thanks.

I turned 67 in April and starting taking benefits in July, but am still fully employed. When my ex applies for her benefits (we had been previously married for over ten years), I understands she will recieve an amount equal to 50% of my benefits. Does this mean my benefits will be REDUCED by 50%?

Great question, William. If they qualify, your spouse or child may receive a monthly payment of up to one-half of your full retirement benefit amount. These payments will not decrease your retirement benefit. Thanks!

I forgot to seek an opinion on my current wife’s situation. She has her own benefits, but they are much lower than mine. She is 62 and I am 67. When she turns 65, can she receive her benefits at the same time I am receiving mine (assuming I am still alive)?
Thanks!

If I am eligible to receive 1/2 my ex-spouses Social security, but my Social Security will be more, however I will not be taking my own Social Security right now, am I still able to get half of his Social Security until I choose to take my own?

Hello Jean. Generally, if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. Also, if you were born before January 2, 1954, and you decide to wait until your full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse, you can choose to receive only the divorced spouse’s benefit and delay receiving your retirement benefit until a later date. Then, your benefit could be equal to half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount or disability benefit.
If your birthday is January 2, 1954 or later, the option to take only one benefit at full retirement age no longer exists.
Visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced to find all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a divorced spouse. Thanks!

Hi Cathie. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who died and you are not married, you could get benefits just the same as a widow or widower. For more information, please visit our Surviving Divorced Spouse webpage.

My ex husband past on July 28 2018 we were married 13 years he remarried may 5 th 2018 died July2018 , I am disabled remarried separated not legally have”nt a clue of that spouse whereabouts. Am I entitled to my ex husband death benefit. Also our son his arm was paralyzed at 16 and has multiple mental problems beside physical is he entitled to collect as a survivor. His father is Jay John Jordon dob born in Ticonderoga New York he is a twin or was I’m looking for answers . I have my hearing on nov 2 2018 in Albany as I suffer from many diseases and mental disorders

Hi Melynda. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who died and you are not married, you could get benefits just the same as a widow or widower. For more information, please visit our Surviving Divorced Spouse webpage.

Hello Constance, you may be able to get spouse’s retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years of age and your spouse is receiving retirement or disability benefits. Our representatives will assist you in getting your ex-spouse’s information when you applied for benefits. Remember, if you qualify and apply for your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. See our Retirement Planner on Spouse’s Benefits for more information. Thanks!

You are a female who is divorced and your ex spouse is 4 years younger than you. 1/2 of you ex spouse retirement is more than your full retirement benefit. Can you file for retirement at age 62, and then when your ex spouse is qualified for Social Security Retirement start receiving the higher benefit of your ex spouse.

Hello Don. If you are divorced, but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you could receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record at age 62. Your ex-spouse must -also- be entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
Your benefit as a divorced spouse can -only- be equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount (or disability benefit) if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age. If a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
Also, current law provides that if your birthday is January 2, 1954 or later, the option to take only one benefit at full retirement age no longer exists. If you file for one benefit, you will be effectively filing for all retirement or spousal benefits.
We hope this information helps!

Hi, Ellen. In addition to be of age (62 or older), here are the requirements for you to receive a benefit as a divorced spouse:
• You are unmarried;
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work. This means that if you is eligible for retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on that record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. For more information, you can check out our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced webpage. We hope this helps.

I’m 55 and applying for disability. Will I not be eligible for my ex-husbands benefits until I’m 62 years old? As long as I’m not married… I’m not. Additionally, we were married 23 years and divorced now 13 years.

Hi, Lauren. In addition to being age (62 or older), here are the other requirements for you to receive benefits as a divorced spouse:
• You are unmarried;
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work. This means that if you are eligible for retirement or disability benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on that record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. For more information, you can check out our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced webpage. We hope this helps.

My husband has died recently but prior to his death he was receiving social Security retirement benefits what do I need to do 2 get them switched over into my name if it’s possible and what do I need to provide to the Social Security Office

We are very sorry for your loss. If you already receive benefits as a spouse, under your husband’s record, your benefit will automatically convert to widow’s benefits after we receive the report of death. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by contacting the local Social Security office.

If you are receiving retirement benefits on your own record, you can only apply for benefits as a widow if your retirement benefit amount is less than the benefits you would receive as a survivor.

You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. Thanks.

Hello Karen. Your survivors benefit amount is based on the earnings of the person who died. The monthly amount you would get is a percentage of the deceased’s basic Social Security benefit. See “Survivors Benefit Amount” for more on this topic.
It is possible for a person to be eligible for Social Security benefits on more than one record at the same time. However, we are only going to pay the highest benefit amount from either record.
In many cases, a widow or widower can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate.
For further assistant you will need to speak to one of our agents. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local office directly. Thanks!

I still believe we are discriminated against because my husband was a teacher. He worked all his quarters but because he was a Massachusetts teacher he looses his social security because they dock him for working as a teacher. Social Security does not do that for the Mayors who also work as judges. They are allow to collect from both jobs as well as all others who work for different jobs in government. This is not fair for teachers who worked a career in private companies and then work for the cities as a teacher. I believe someone should take the time to correct this because I truly believe that teachers are discriminated against in this situation. They worked and put in the system and should be able to get their full social security like everyone else.

A pension based on work that is not covered by Social Security (for example, Federal civil service and some State or local government agencies, such as police officers and some teachers) may affect the amount of your Social Security benefit.
Your benefits can be reduced based on one of two provisions: The Windfall Elimination Provision and The Government Pension Offset. Thanks!

Hello I was married to my ex husband for about 10 years and we divorced in 94 and had 1 child together who is now 29 but my ex husband was in ssd I and I remarried but am separated now but I am only 53 and disabled can I draw off my ex deceased husband

Hello Toni. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who dies, you could get benefits the same as a widow or widower, provided that your marriage lasted 10 years or more.
If your former spouse is deceased and you need information about possible survivors benefits, see benefits for a Surviving Divorced Spouse. Thanks!

I applied for spousal benefits from a divorced spouse and was only allowed $30 a month? How is that figured? My ex spouse is a millionaire and we were married for 15 years. I receive less than $1000 a month in income I made through out my life. $30 really?

Hi there. Thank you for your question. Your benefit as a divorced spouse can be equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount only if you start receiving those benefits at your full retirement age. If you begin to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to your full retirement age, your benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits you qualify for once you opt to start benefits at age 62 or at any time prior to your full retirement age.

Remember, if you qualify for your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a divorced spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a divorced spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.

Spoke to representative from SSA about benefits for an ex spouse. I was not satisfied with explanation. I see in this blog that ” If you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on you ex-spouse’s work. In other words, we’ll (SSA) pay the higher of the two benefits. Now my ex-spouse is still living. If my ex living spouse receives 2000 and I receive 1600 . according to what I read I would receive an additional 400 a month to bring me up to 2000. ??? If this is not true, the statement is mis leading. The agent was saying that the ex spouse would only get half of benefit while he is alive. So that would be only 1000 which is less than I am receiving on my own. Not clear

Your benefit as a divorced spouse can -ONLY- be equal to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount, if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age. If a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for.
Remember, if someone is eligible for both, his or her own benefit and for benefits as a divorced spouse, we always pay their own first. If their spousal benefits are higher than their own retirement benefits, he or she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.
For more on this, please visit “If You Are Divorced“.
We hope this information helps!

I am thrilled to have your response, but I am still not clear. Let’s take a real situation. My ex-spouse receives 1800 a month he is age 78 I receive 1400 a month on my own retirement benefit . I am age 75. How much can I expect to receive now while he is alive and I have not remarried.

Thanks for the response. Much better than the 75 minutes that I waited on the phone to speak to an agent. The agent also told me that I could not make an appointment with my local office here in Manassas Va.

I am under 65, (57 years old) receive SSI for 14 years, due to my permanent disability,… but I’m short 4 work credits in order 2 receive any Medicare benefits… Am I eligible to receive any Medicare benefits due to my 63-year-old spouse’s work credits?

The SSA explanation as to the benefits a divorced ex spouse can receive are confusing to me. If you could allow me to use information that would be more like a real life situation. An ex-spouse receives 1800 a month in SSA retirement benefits he is age 78, his ex wife who took SSA benefits at age 63 1/2 receives 1400 a month from her own retirement benefit . The ex-wife is now 75. How much can the ex wife who has not remarried expect to receive now while her ex spouse is alive? Thank you.

Thank you for your question, Adelaide. For you to receive additional benefits as a divorced spouse, your own full retirement benefit amount (not necessarily what you’re receiving) must be less than half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement benefit amount (not necessarily what they’re receiving). Based on the numbers you provided, that doesn’t appear to be the case. For more information, please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced. If you would like to inquire further, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives.

Hi Terri. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who died and you remarried after age 60, you may be eligible for benefits just the same as a widow or widower. For more information, please visit our Surviving Divorced Spouse webpage.

Hello Barbara. If your ex-spouse dies while you are receiving ex-spouses benefit, you may qualify for survivor’s benefits. Generally, a widow, widower or a surviving divorced spouse can receive 100 percent of the worker’s basic benefit amount, when he or she attains full retirement age. Visit our Benefits Planner for more information. To see examples of the benefits that survivors may receive check out our Survivors Planner: How Much Would Your Benefit Be? For specific questions, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Thanks

I am inquiring on behalf of a relative who was legally separated from her husband many years ago. She is almost 62 and isn’t sure if she is entitled to social security benefits based on her legally-separated husband’s work records…as she probably doesn’t qualify based on her own work record. Thank you for your assistance in answering this inquiry.

What if you have no idea of ex’s income.
I am disabled due to my back since 2010.
I blew thrust my IRA thinking I would be able to replace it. I should have taken Disability in 2005 when my MD suggested.. Inability since to control back pain without Narcotics , who wants an RN on drugs. I am soon. 63 and my ex. I have worked since I was 14, I and not a slug. Very difficult ajustment.
Will be 65 in February. Can I draw some
SS from him. I know he makes better money now than when we were married., because he didn’t work. He is a CPA in Florida he has been a CPA since 1985.

Hello Tammy. We will always pay your own retirement benefit first. If your benefits as a divorced spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher divorced spouse benefit. However, divorced spouse’s benefits cannot exceed one-half of your ex-husband’s full retirement amount (not his reduced benefit amount if he filed early). So, you can only receive additional divorced spouse’s benefits if your own full retirement benefit (not your reduced benefit if you filed early) is less than half of your ex-husband’s full retirement benefit.

Generally, during the interview when you or your ex are applying for Social Security benefits, we typically explore all other benefits that could yield you a higher benefit amount. To find out if you are eligible for a higher benefit amount, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or contact your local Social security office. Thanks!

Hello Laura, our Retirement Estimator gives you future estimates of your monthly Social Security benefits based on your actual Social Security earnings record.
In addition, we have a variety of other calculators to help you plan for the future. Which calculator you choose depends on what you want to do. Also, we suggest that you create a my Social Security account. With your personal my Social Security account, you can verify your earnings, get your Social Security Statement, and much more. Happy planning!

Hi Susan, thank you for the question. By delaying receiving your retirement benefits beyond your full retirement age, you are eligible to receive a higher retirement benefit amount than you would have at age 66. Your year of birth and the number of months you delay determines how much your benefit increases. See our Delayed Retirement Credits web page for details.

To inquire about your benefits, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Hi Aida, thank you for your question. If you qualify for spouse’s benefits and there is an ex-spouse who also qualifies for benefits, the ex will not affect the total amount of benefits a current spouse or their family may receive. Check out our Benefits Planner: Benefits for Your Spouse for more details.

Can a wife collect ex spouse’s benefits if he has remarried twice? We were married 17+ year. Does he have to draw first and can I draw off his and continue to work if I wanted to wait for full retirement to draw my own or his at full retirement age?

Hi Miriam, thank you for using our blog. You may be able to get spouse’s benefits but, under existing law, if you are eligible for benefits both as a retired worker and as a spouse, you must apply for both benefits and you’ll receive the higher of the two benefits. This requirement is called “deemed filing” because when you apply for one benefit you are “deemed” to have also applied for the other.

My first husband was on SS Disability before he died, and I received SS survivors benefits. I remarried, but now am divorced from the second husband, and have gotten my first husband’s SS survivor benefit back. If I were to receive a portion of the second husband’s Civil Service retirement, or his military retirement, will that affect the SS benefit I receive from my first husband?

I am trying to assist a friend whose husband passed away on October 9. 2018 . I have tried logging into my sis account with her husband ss # sign in name etc. it says account is no longer valid. When I try to create an account using my friends ss # Iit says. Not valid.

Hi. We are sorry to hear about your friend’s loss. Unfortunately, you can only create a my Social Security account using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You cannot create or use an account on behalf of another person, even if you have that person’s written permission. For security reasons, and for your friend’s protection, she’ll need to go into her local office for assistance. A representative in the office will verify your friend’s identity and issue her an activation code. She can use the activation code to complete the registration process for her personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.

I was married to my first husband for 18 years and he passed away at age 49. My second husband after being married for 33 years just passed away st age 83. I am 73 and we both collected social security. Which would I collect social security from and if I collected from 2nd husband would I get all of his or just a portion?

Hi Janice, we are very sorry for your loss. Your survivor amount is based on your deceased spouse’s earnings. The more he paid into Social Security, the higher your widow’s benefit will be. If he was receiving reduced benefits when he passed away, the survivors benefit is based on that amount.
If you are receiving retirement benefits on your own record, you can only apply for benefits as a widower if your retirement benefit amount is less than the benefits you would receive as a survivor.

As for receiving benefits on your first husband, you cannot receive a widow’s benefits if you remarried before age 60 (age 50 if disabled).

Hello Claudette. We typically explore other possible eligibility that could yield you a higher benefit amount during your initial interview to apply for any Social Security benefits.
If you are divorced, and your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record (even if they have remarried) if:
• You are unmarried;
• You are age 62 or older;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits; and
• The benefit you are currently receiving based on your own work (disability benefits) is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
See “If You Are Divorced” for complete information.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Thanks!

Hi, Claudette. In addition to be of age (62 or older), here are the other requirements for you to receive benefits, if you are divorced:
• You are unmarried;
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work. This means that if you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record, we will pay that amount first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on that record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. For more information, you can check out our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced webpage. We hope this helps.

My ex husband of 25 years just passed away. My divorce was just finalized in March of 2018. He was 48 years old. I am being told that I possibly would be entitled to some sort of Survivor benefits? If this is true, could you please tell me how to go about this

Hello Stacy. A widow or a surviving divorced spouse of persons who worked long enough under Social Security may be eligible for reduced benefits at age 60 (age 50 if they are disabled). In your case, you may be eligible for benefits if you are between ages 50 and 60 and you meet the definition of disability for adults, and the disability started before the worker’s death or within seven years after the worker’s death.

Currently, we do not offer an online application for survivors’ benefits. If you have specific questions about your case or wish to apply for survivors benefits, please call our toll free number at: 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a representative. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day, or later in the week. Or you may contact your local Social Security office directly.
We hope this information helps!

My name is Jaculin Pantelis. My husband passed away and I received for awhile window’s pension. I did not receive his Form SSA-1099, please I need that for our income taxes. Can you please help me. Thank you. I did receive mine when I was working only, not the 2nd one. Thank you

Hi, Jaculin. The SSA-1099 is mailed by January 31 each year. If for any reason you do not receive your SSA-1099 in the mail by then, starting on February 1, 2019, you can request a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for Tax Year 2018 by using your personal my Social Security account. If you are referring to your husband’s 1099 and it doesn’t arrive soon, you can visit your local Social Security office to request a copy. Thanks.

Hi there, thank you for reading our blog post. We will always pay a person’s own retirement benefit first. If their benefits as a divorced spouse are higher than their own retirement benefits, they will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher divorced spouse benefit. However, keep in mind that a divorced spouse’s benefit cannot exceed one-half of the worker’s full retirement amount (not their reduced benefit amount). So, a person is only going to receive additional divorced spouse’s benefits if their own full retirement benefit (not their reduced benefit) is less than half of their divorced spouse’s full retirement benefit.

I would like to know what info is necessary to apply for ex-spouse benefits? I have heard that a lot of detailed info is needed like their previous/current marriage dates and/or divorces. Is this true?

Thanks for your question, Kathleen. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, you must be age 62 or over, and you cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. For more information on how to qualify for divorced spouse benefits, check out our Benefits Planner: If You Are Divorced. Hope this helps!

Hi, Clarence. If you are divorced, but your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record (even if they have remarried) if:
•You are unmarried;
•You are age 62 or older;
•Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits; and
•The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work. For additional information, check out our Benefits Planner: If You Are Divorced. Thanks!

I had to take my social security at 62 because my husband left me and I needed the extra money. Since I took it early I never will receive full retirement benefits. But when I want to apply for my ex’s benefits I’m told I get more then his half. But that is only because you are looking at what I would have received if I was 66 not what I really collect. Please help me out.

Hi Joanne, thank you for the question. If your ex-spouse qualifies for retirement benefits but hasn’t applied yet, you may be able to receive benefits on his record right now, if you have been divorced for at least two years. You can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record if:
• You are age 62 or older;
• You were legally married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• You are unmarried;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.

For more information, please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced.
We encourage you to call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 to inquire. Representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

I am 56 years old and my ex spouse is deceased. We were married 12 years. I have since remarried, am I entitled to any of his social security benefits? I have researched your website but it does not specify.
Thank you!

Hi Paula, thank you for the question. Widows that remarry before age 60 (age 50 if disabled), do not qualify for benefits on their deceased spouse’s Social Security record unless they become unmarried again. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page to see how marriage can affect Social Security benefits.

I am now collecting SS from an ex husband who has died. I have another ex husband as well. When he dies, would I be able to change and then collect his SS if his SS is more than the dead husbands that I am now collecting on????

Hi, Connie. If you were married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, and you are not eligible for a higher benefit on your own record or on the other ex-husband’s record, you may be eligible for divorced spouse benefits on his record. For specific questions about your case, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

Hi Jessy, we are very sorry for your loss. You may be eligible for survivor benefits on your mother’s record if she earned enough Social Security credits through her work and you’re unmarried and under the age of 18 (up to age 19 if attending elementary or secondary school full time) or you have a disability that began before age 22 and you’re still disabled.

To inquire about potential benefits, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

I am planning retirement in about 3 years. My exspouse has not filed income taxes in at least 10 years. His income prior to then was much more than mine and I would probably be in a better position if I could rely on his instead. However I would guess his lack of reporting would nullify this possibilty. Am I correct?

You can receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record if:
• You are age 62 or older;
• You were legally married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• You are unmarried;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.

Keep in mind that a Social Security retirement benefit is calculated by using a person’s highest 35 years of earnings.

For further assistance, please call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local office directly.

Hi, Jack. You may be able to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record at age 62 if:
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
• You are unmarried;
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits and,
• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
For more information, please visit our Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced. Thanks!

my ex husband just died im getting my ss check as well as 10$ of his as he had not died when i applied for mine . I was his 1st wife and married to him for 11 years. he also married or lived with this woman for 30 yrs. is she intitled to any of his ss check. I started my ss at age 62. ? will I be notified of any changes to my ss? by ss .